Duties
Work involves protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, and general police assignment including field patrol, preliminary complaint and criminal investigation, traffic control and accident investigation. Duties involve an element of personal danger and require that Police Patrol Officers act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.
Residency
Police Patrol Officers shall reside within the corporate limits of Macon County, or within the corporate limits of any municipality extending into Macon County within 90 days following the completion of their probationary period. This position requires a one-year probationary period.
Benefits
Base Salary
Patrol Officer salary range: $63,806 (starting) to $83,820 (at 7 years) plus longevity – effective 1/1/2022
Longevity
Longevity is contractually a percentage of the base pay, based on years of service. The longevity increases are at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service; and are 2%, 4%, 6%, 9%, and 12% respectively. For example, if you are a Patrol Officer and you have 10 years of service, your pay will be $87,173 ($83,820 + 4%).
Other Assignments
K-9 Patrol – 5% increase in addition to base rate & longevity. Master Patrol – 5% increase in addition to base rate & longevity. Investigations – 10% increase in addition to base rate & longevity.
Sergeant
Effective 1/1/2022, Sergeant starting base rate is $96,114 and after 6 months it is $102,870. Top Sergeant pay with maximum longevity is $115,214.
Vacations
2 weeks after one year of service; 3 weeks after 7 years of service; 4 weeks after 14 years of service; 5 weeks after 20 years of service; 6 weeks after 25 years of service.
Pension
Excellent pension benefits; retirement at 50% of salary at age 55 with 20 years of service to a maximum of 75% of salary at 30 years. The City contributes to the Police Pension Fund. Police Officers also contribute at the rate of 9.91% of gross pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement. Police Officers do not contribute to Social Security; however, they contribute to Medicare at the rate of 1.45% of gross pay.
Other Benefits
13 holidays per year, compensatory time optional in lieu of overtime, hospitalization and life insurance paid by the City of Decatur for employees, with dependent coverage available; paid sick leave; optional retirement fund; optional flex spending fund; optional dental coverage; shift differential pay for 2nd and 3rd shifts; uniforms provided by the City (except for firearms), up to 26 holidays a year can be cashed out (either in cash or deferred compensation plan).
General Information
Decatur is a city located in Central Illinois, and serves as an industrial/retail center. The Decatur Police Department has an authorized strength of 162 sworn officers. More specific information about the Decatur Police Department follows.
Shift Schedule
The officers in the Patrol Division work a rotating day off schedule with 5 day work weeks, operating on three shifts: 6:45 a.m. to 3:18 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. to 11:33 p.m.; 10:27 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Shift differential is paid for hours worked between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Training Program
Officers who have not yet received formal police training will be sent to a police training facility for a period as specified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Officers will be on pay status during this time. In addition, all officers must take part in the department’s field training program. This program is generally 14 weeks.
Probation and Evaluation
There is a one year probation period for this position. Civil Service evaluations are given at five, seven, nine and twelve months. During the field training program, approximately 4-6 months in length, you are also evaluated on a daily basis by your assigned Field Training Officer and on a weekly basis by your Field Training Sergeant. Further field training program training and evaluation continues throughout your probationary period.
Uniforms
Uniform clothing that is furnished by the City consists of a combination uniform car coat/jacket, rain clothing, body armor and external carrier, trousers or slacks, winter shirts or blouses, summer shirts or blouses, hat, a Sam Browne belt with accessories, holster and a tie.
Other Equipment
In addition to uniforms, the City will provide you with a duty holster, ammunition, Oleoresin Capsicum spray and holder, an expandable baton and holder, disposable gloves and case, handcuffs and handcuff case, riot gear, ammo pouches, two (2) magazines and a bulletproof vest/external carrier. After officers have finished their probation period and completed the required training, officers are issued a taser.
* The only items YOU MUST PURCHASE include a duty weapon, flashlight, and shoes. The weapon and shoes must meet the Decatur Police Department specifications.
The following handguns in all black are currently authorized:
Glock model 17 9mm
Glock model 19 9mm
Glock model 45 9mm
Glock model 21 .45
